MOTHER’S MILK

What: SB 5295 would exempt moms who breast-feed from indecent exposure ordinances.

Who: Sen. Jeri Costa of Everett, who is sick of hearing about people getting kicked out of restaurants/theaters/veterinarians’ offices for feeding their kids.

Chances: Good. The hearing is scheduled for February 8.

We say: Breast-feeding is not a crime!

CRUEL AND HIGHLY UNUSUAL

What: SB 5356, like a bill that failed last year, would require that some sex offenders undergo temporary chemical castration. The

offenders could, if they felt so heroically inclined, opt for permanent surgical castration.

Who: Sen. Don Benton, RClark County

Chances: Passing this is not a top priority for the Legislature, thank goodness.

We say: By this logic we should cut off the hands of thieves and the tongues of politicians.

FAMILY SLAMMING

What: HB 5512 would force insurance companies to cover oral contraceptives.

Who: Sen. Costa of Everett

Chances: Good, in spite of the three stooges who testified against it (one was Catholic, another an official with Washington Family Council, and another a doctor who opposes abortion). Neither Republicans nor Democrats were impressed by their antics, and the bill will probably pass the health care committee.

We say: Wake up, sleepy bald heads in the insurance industry! You guys (some of you) are paying for baldness treatment and Viagra, but you leave struggling young couples open to the risk of having unplanned children who they can’t pay for and you wouldn’t want to.

BACKSLIDING

What: SB 5462 would let the Department of Social and Health Services off the hook for finding housing for homeless kids without separating them from their parents. A judge has ruled that it is DSHS’s job to find housing for these families.

Who: Sen. Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam

Chances: Good

We say: If housing these families isn’t a DSHS responsibility, then what is?

OPPOSING TACTICS

What: HB 1493 says it is DSHS’s responsibility to house homeless children without separating them from their parents, and outlines a plan for them to do so.

Who: Rep. Kip Tokuda, D-Seattle

Chances: Good

We say: We’re looking forward to when both this law and the Senate bill that contradicts it (see above) pass the full Legislature.

FISHY INTENTIONS

What: HB 1228 would require the Department of Fish and Wildlife to allow non-Indians in the fishing industry to “observe” any negotiation with a tribe over fish harvesting rights.

Who: Rep. Brian Hatfield, D-Raymond

Chances: Unknown

We say: Just how badly do tribes need the public to interfere with their treaty rights?